SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS SAFETY TALK

You can slip, trip and fall in all kinds of workplaces, from offices to construction sites. Falls are the leading cause of injuries in North American workplaces.

Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. According to OSHA, they cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths.

THE HAZARDS

Most workplace falls which cause injury or death are falls from the same level, not from heights. And remember the big picture. Failure to reduce and eliminate slips, trips erodes the bottom line of business and impacts quality of life of workers.

COMMON SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL INCIDENTS

Falls from elevation are often deadly or result in serious injury and may include falls from ladders, falls off of mobile equipment, falls from roofs or other elevated structures, etc. Slip incidents on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice are common in colder geographical areas in the U.S. Wet floors due to moisture or chemicals is also a common cause of slip incidents at work. Trips can be caused by a multitude of reasons including poor housekeeping, changes in elevation, improper footwear, etc.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Appropriate Clothing; Wear boots or shoes that have skid – resistant soles and are free from oil and grease. When working on slippery surfaces or in icy weather, wear non-slip soles. Be aware that overly long, loose pant cuffs are a tripping hazard.

Clear Paths: If you see something in an aisle such as litter or extension cords, move or report them. Also watch for loose or torn carpeting, mats or runners. Don’t store things on or near stairways. Watch out for unexpected hazards such as unguarded floor openings. Report them immediately so they can be correctly covered and guarded.

Respect Slickness: Obey signs such as “Caution: Wet Floor.” Clean up spills immediately. When you come indoors from rain or snow, your wet footwear slides more easily. Newly waxed and high gloss floors are also hazards. On slippery or rough surfaces, take small steps and walk slowly.

Walk Safely: Keep your head up. Don’t run down a hallway. Never engage in horseplay. Use stairways’ handrails. When carrying a load, make sure you can see over or around it. On slick surfaces keep your hands at your side for balance and take caution, short steps. Don’t run.

Office Smarts: Don’t tip back in a chair. Chairs should have five legs to prevent tipping. Keep drawers of desks, cupboards and filing cabinets closed.

Elevate Wisely: Don’t stand on makeshift platforms such as a chair on top of a desk. Instead, correctly use a stepstool, ladder or scaffold.

Working at Heights: Be sure to use the required fall protection equipment and all safe procedures when working at heights. Many falls from heights are actually caused by tripping or slipping.

Shed Light: Poor lighting can camouflage hazards, so replace fixtures or bulbs that don’t work. In areas where no fixtures are installed, make sure obstacles have been removed. Turn on lights before entering an area.

PRACTICE STAIR CARE

There’s always a potential for trips and falls on stairways that are too steep or not steep enough. Always walk up and down stairs slowly, one step at the time. And if you must carry a load on stairs, make sure the load doesn’t block your vision, and try to keep one hand free to hold the railing.

PERSONAL REGIMEN

Get enough rest and sleep. Exercise regularly. Eat nutritious well-balanced diet and include vitamin C. More alert, physically and mentally fit workers are better equipped to handle safety challenges like slips, trips and falls in a successful way.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AND CLEAN UP TIPS:

• Wipe up grease, water and other slick substances as soon as they are discovered. Cover icy and greasy spots with sand, dirt or other absorbent material.
• If repair or maintenance work is being done, keep equipment and the surrounding area free of scraps and debris.
• Secure lose or light material to prevent it from blowing away in the wind and, as with any other aspect of rig operation, don’t let material fall from any level.
• Inspect your work area and machinery or tools before you start work.

TIPS TO STAY SAFE

• If you see something you might slip or trip on, tell your supervisor right away.
• Clean up spills and anything slippery. Check with your supervisor about how to use cleaning products. Don’t use cleaners that could make the floor slippery.
• Clear walkways, stairs, and lobbies of anything that might be a tripping hazard, such as cords, wires, empty boxes, and clutter.
• Make sure that floor mats lay flat rather than wrinkled or bunched.
• Use handrails when you walk up and down steps.
• Before using any ladder or stepladder, make sure it opens fully.
• Check that ladder extensions are fully locked and that the ladder legs are stable on a flat, non-slippery surface.
• Clean off any slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet of a ladder before you use it.
• Don’t go over the load limit noted on the ladder.

FINAL WORD

Slips, Trips, and Falls are a leading causes of workplace injury and death. They also cause a great deal of pain and suffering. Take slip, trip and fall hazards seriously, and don’t let them trip you up.